Gastric Band Surgery in Thailand

What you need to know about Gastric Band Surgery in Thailand

A type of Bariatric Surgery used to treat obesity by aiding dramatic weight loss. It is also known to help lessen the problems associated with asthma, high blood pressure (hypertension), type 2 diabetes and general heart problems. Also known as a laparoscopic adjustable gastric band, a lap-band, A band, or LAGB, an inflatable silicone device is fitted around the top portion of the stomach to create a smaller stomach pouch, intended to decrease the amount of food consumed in one go. The sensation of feeling ‘full’ when eating occurs much quicker due to the upper pouch filling up quicker, then the food will slowly move into the larger lower section. Considered the least invasive of the Bariatric Surgeries as it can be performed and reversed via key-hole surgery.

Also referred to as obesity surgery, metabolic surgery or weight loss surgery, Bariatric procedures are designed to restrict the amount of food the body can absorb.

MyMediTravel offers 72 Medical Centers in Thailand, some of which offer Gastric Band Surgery procedures - see below for the complete list, along with estimated prices. The price of a Gastric Band Surgery can vary according to each individual’s case and will be determined based on a patients medical records / medical profile and an in-person assessment with the surgeon. For a bespoke quote and to discuss further with a member of our patient support team, Click Here to submit your Free Quote.

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Additional factors to consider:

1. Recovery time varies and most gastric bands can be performed via keyhole under general anesthetic, so scarring is minimal. This makes for shorter recovery time. Most people stay in the hospital 2 to 3 days, and get back to normal activities in 3 to 5 weeks. 

2. Success rate is extremely high and it is common to lose weight quite quickly over the first year following bariatric surgery and a Dietitian will recommend changes to your diet and eating patterns to achieve the best results. Most people lose at least 50–60% of their excess body weight. Surgery will not necessarily get you back within the healthy weight range (BMI of 20–25kg/m2) but it will get you closer to it. 

3. Patient reviews often cite the improved self-esteem and quality of life. The vast majority of patients are extremely happy with their decision and despite the risk and challenges would recommend it to others, with less than 1 in 10 experiencing any issues.

4. Complications and side effects may include, band replacement / re-fixing should it slip out of place, developing a food intolerance, gastro-oesophageal reflux (GER), which can be prevented by avoiding the foods that bring this on. Patients should expect some loose skin, particularly in areas of extreme weight loss.

5. Behaviour modification is essential; a commitment to regular exercise and a disciplined approach to diet are vital to the success of the treatment. 

6. Preparation will involve several tests and consultations with experts to determine which bariatric procedure is most suitable.

7. For a better understanding of the procedure, watch this short video.

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Alternatives Bariatric Procedures:

1. Gastric Bypass - The stomach is divided into two parts; a small upper pouch and a large lower ‘remnant’ pouch. The small intestine is rearranged accordingly, bypassing the large pouch and thus significantly reducing the volume of the stomach.

2. Gastric Sleeve - The stomach is reduced to about 15% of its original capacity by surgically removing a large portion it, resulting in a sleeve or tube-like structure. This process is irreversible.

3. Gastric Balloon - An inflatable device is temporarily inserted into the stomach via endoscopic placement. The balloon obstructs a sizable area of the stomach, thus reducing the amount of food it can contain at any one time.

 

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Find top clinics for Gastric Band Surgery in Thailand at the lowest price. Compare costs & reviews of 72 clinics, specialized in Gastric Band Surgery procedures in Thailand.

Gastric Band Surgery in and around Thailand

About Thailand

Thailand leads the way for Asian countries with over 60 state-of-the-art JCI accredited facilities and consistently voted one of the most popular travel destinations in the world. It's known for its tropical beaches, floating markets, stunning royal palaces and Buddhist temples. In Bangkok, the capital, an ultramodern cityscape rises with brand new high-rise condominium developments next to quiet canal side communities. According to the Tourism Authority of Thailand, the most popular tourist areas outside of Bangkok are Phuket, Koh Samui, Chiang Mai, Hua Hin and Pattaya, all with great yacht chartering opportunities.

Thailand welcomes hundreds of thousands of medical tourists each year, many of which travel for Gastric Band Surgery procedures. Medical Tourists travel from all across the globe, particularly from the local SE Asia region, Australia, US, Middle East and an increasing amount are traveling from China. An outstanding private healthcare system combined with a hot tropical climate and competitive prices means that Thailand is now the third most popular destination in the world for medical tourism. The most popular procedures tend to be cosmetic surgery (breast augmentations, gender reassignment surgery and CoolSculpting to name a few), cardiac surgery, orthopedics and urology.

Popular Parts of Thailand

With a population of just under 70 million people spread across an area of around 500k square km, Thailand’s most popular regions / cities include Bangkok, Phuket, Chiang Mai, Pattaya, Koh Samui and Hua Hin. The capital city Bangkok is one of the most visited cities in the world, whilst Thailand as a whole receives over 30 million tourists each year, the vast majority of these will enter Thailand through Bangkok. 

As Bangkok is the only urbanized region mentioned, all others are centered around island / beach life, with the exception of Chiang Mai, set in the northern Thailand jungle.

Weather and Climate in Thailand

Known for its truly tropical climate and scorching temperatures, Thailand, in general, is hot and humid all year round. The coastal locations do benefit from the cooling sea breeze, a luxury urban Bangkok is denied. Average temperatures range from 28°C (82°F) up to 35°C (95°F). However, during the Hot Season (March to June), temperatures can top 40°C (104°F).

The infamous Rainy Season tends to start in July and continue through to October; during this time expect heavy rainfall, often amounting to flooding in some areas. It will remain warm to hot but humidity levels will rise and the mosquitos will come out to play!

November to February is often referred to as the Cool Season when less rain is expected and the temperatures tend not to rise above 35°C (95°F).

From a tourist perspective; High Season lasts from November to March and Low Season April to October. But be aware of the Shoulder Seasons of April to June and September to October, when Thailand is less impacted by the Rainy Season and less busy with tourists – these can be the ideal times to visit.

In a nutshell, Thailand is a Shorts and T-shirt Country, you’re never really going to be cold, so pack light; shorts, t-shirts, vests, skirts, singlets and light dresses. Maybe pack jeans and shoes if you’re planning on going to a swanky roof-top bar in Bangkok or to a temple where flip-flops are not acceptable.

Don’t forget mosquito spray as the little pests can get everywhere; big ones and little ones! Always protect against the sun; high factor sunscreen and UV-protective sunglasses. The usual medications found at home should be available in most pharmacies.

Getting around in Thailand

With the Suvarnabhumi International Airport being serviced by some of the world’s major airlines, tourists can fly into Thailand from almost anywhere in the world, sometimes with a connection along the way. All the popular regions have their own international airports, with the exception of Pattaya, which is just a 90-minute taxi ride from Bangkok. However, arrival destinations are slightly limited outside of Bangkok, but the likes of Emirates and Qatar Airways will fly into Phuket International Airport. The rest, mostly fly in from local countries on budget airlines, including Scoot, SilkAir, AirAsia and Lion Air to name a few.

For domestic flights, the airports are nicely linked in Thailand with flights from as little as $45 USD one way. There are several budget airlines servicing these routes, including Thai Lion Air, AirAsia, Nok Air, Thai Airways, Bangkok Airways and Thai Smile.

The train allows for even cheaper travel within Thailand and is far more comfortable than spending hours sitting on a bus. Bangkok has the BTS, or Skytrain, which allows for fast transfer from the airport into the city. Given the traffic in central Bangkok, the BTS offers a great alternative to being stuck in traffic jams.

Taxis are great, however, be sure to confirm the price before you begin your journey or better still, insist the ride goes on the meter – that is how you guarantee the cheapest and fairest price. But expect traffic in the city and any built-up areas.

Tourist Visas in Thailand

Whilst Thailand is most welcoming of tourists from all over the world, travelers should check with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Thailand for confirmation. Those with a UK, US, German, Australian, Singaporean passport, for example, do not require a visa when entering and can stay for up to 30 days. Whereas Chinese and Indian passport holders are required to apply for a visa on arrival, which lasts up to 15 days – for more information, click here.

Additional Information

1. The Thai Baht (THB) is the local currency and $1 USD will get you 30-33 THB, or in other words, 1,000 THB is worth approximately $32 USD.
2. ATMs are readily available across Thailand and accept virtually all major bank cards (Visa, Mastercard). Credit card payment is accepted in most established restaurants and outlets, with the more local food vendors, for example, only accepting cash. Tipping is common as service is not included at restaurants, anything around 10% is fine.
3. Thai is the local language but due to the extremely well-established tourism industry in Thailand, English is spoken by most locals who work with tourists and often signs will have an English translation.
4. Buddhism (95%) is the primary religion throughout Thailand, with a large Muslim population (4%) mostly focused in the south. The Royal Family is deeply revered throughout the country and should never be disrespected, such behavior is severely punished. Pointing with your feet and touching another person’s head is considered extremely rude.
5. There are many public holidays in Thailand, which aren’t always on the same day each year, including Songkran (Thai New Year), which is celebrated in mid-April, Labor Day and Coronation Day in early May, Asanha Buja in July and Constitution Day in December.